Ruby: The July Birthstone — Meaning, History, Famous Pieces, and How to Choose

Ruby is a gemstone admired throughout history for its vibrant red hues, ranging from pinkish red to deep, blood-red. It holds special significance as the July Birthstone, symbolising passion, vitality, and protection. Among its varieties, the most coveted is the Pigeon’s Blood Ruby, which displays a vivid, rich red with subtle bluish undertones. This rare stone is not only identified by its appearance. Still, it is also extremely hard, ranking only after diamond in hardness, which makes it a very suitable stone for use in day-to-day jewellery pieces. However, despite its hardness, rubies are susceptible to breakage or chipping when not handled carefully, especially when used in exposed pieces of jewellery.

The Meaning and Symbolism of the July Birthstone

Over the centuries, rubies has borne deep significance throughout the world. Its red colour has long been a symbol of passion, energy, and the very essence of life and living. In ancient cultures, rubies were believed to represent the blood and heart, and to be a stone of protection and love. Warriors wore it into battle as a talisman of courage, while kings and emperors adorned themselves with rubies to project power and authority.

In Vedic astrology, it is associated with the Sun, believed to impart strength, health, and leadership qualities to its wearer. As the birthstone of July, remains a symbol of success, passion, and enduring affection.

It is also the traditional gem to celebrate 15th and 40th wedding anniversaries, marking milestones with its timeless beauty.

History and Origin

Rubies were formed millions of years ago under intense heat and pressure deep within the Earth’s crust. The collision of continental plates, particularly where Asia meets the Indian subcontinent, gave rise to deposits of this magnificent stone. Historically, the gemstones were mined in Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, and are also sourced today from Thailand, Sri Lanka, and parts of Africa.

Rubies have adorned the regalia of royalty for centuries, adorning crowns, armour, and ceremonial robes as symbols of wealth and protection. They have long been treasured not only for their beauty but also for their supposed mystical properties, offering protection against misfortune and illness.

Celebrity Pieces

Several ruby jewellery pieces have captured the world’s imagination and become legendary. One of the most famous is the Burmese Ruby Tiara, worn by Queen Elizabeth II. This exquisite tiara was crafted with ninety-six rubies, which the Queen received as a wedding gift from the people of Burma. They believed the stones would protect her from harm. The tiara remains a stunning example of regal elegance.

Another extraordinary ruby is the Graff Ruby, an 8.62-carat Burmese ruby that achieved a record-breaking value at auction due to its exceptional Pigeon’s Blood colour and superb quality. The Neelanjali Ruby, considered sacred in Hindu tradition, holds the title of the largest double-star ruby in the world, weighing a remarkable 1,370 carats. These famous examples highlight the ruby’s enduring appeal, both as an object of desire and as a symbol of power and protection.

How to Choose a Ruby

Selecting the right ruby is a rewarding experience, especially when you understand what to look for. The most important factor is colour. The finest rubies display a vibrant, deep red that is neither too dark nor too light, ideally with a bluish tint that characterizes the coveted Pigeon’s Blood hue.

Clarity is also essential. While natural rubies often contain inclusions, or internal characteristics, stones that appear clean to the naked eye are rare and highly prized. The cut of the gemstone determines how well it reflects light, bringing out its inner fire and brilliance while minimizing the appearance of any inclusions.

Carat weight significantly affects value, as fine rubies of larger sizes are exceptionally scarce. For guidance in finding the ideal ruby that matches your taste and budget, consulting experts at Montecristo Jewellers can make all the difference.

Rubies in Modern Jewellery Design

Rubies are still a source of inspiration to contemporary jewellers, who esteem its remarkable color and rich symbolism. From classic solitaires to avant-garde, minimalist settings, ruby jewelry is as popular today as it has ever been throughout history. It is a choice of those who want to make a statement of confidence, passion, and individuality in ornamentation. Whether set in a traditional gold band or a sleek, contemporary design, ruby makes an unforgettable statement.